Ariel Castro Found Dead in Prison Cell

09/04/2013 07:59 AM

09/04/2013 08:02 AM

Ariel Castro Found Dead in Prison Cell

09/04/2013 08:02 AM

The kidnap and rape convict was found dead Tuesday night from an apparent suicide.

Orient, OH--Ariel Castro, the man responsible for holding three Cleveland women captive for about a decade has apparently taken his own life.Late Tuesday night, prison officials said "inmate Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell this evening at 9:20 pm at the Correction Reception Center in Orient. Shortly after, he was transported to OSUMC where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 pm. A thorough review of this incident is underway."In late July, Castro was sentenced to life in prison plus one thousand years for the kidnapping, rape and torture of Amanda Berry, Gina Dejesus and Michelle Knight.Gina Dejesus' aunt is concerned how the girls will take the news of the suicide."Gina also said, 'well, now he has to answer to god. That was it. He has to answer to god.'"The girls were kidnapped between 2002 and 2004 at ages 16, 14 and 20. They were rescued in may when Berry escaped from Castro's home. Neighbors say this is an appropriate end."I think he did those girls a favor taking his own life because he took theirs," said neighbor, Lonnello Phelps.Castro fathered a six-year-old daughter with Berry during her captivity.His death remains under investigation.

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